When Slavisa joined his hands were tied by the FFP rules, meaning he could not build the team he wanted. It was clear from the outset that he wanted to play a different style from what we were playing. This close season has seen him make a big clear out, and he has also made it clear that he wants to bring in several players to augment the style he sees as the best to get us promoted again.
So let us consider who he has signed. Although Madl could be classed as a new signing, he spent the last half of the season with us, and he made a good impression, and thankfully Slavisa has made it a permanent move (although I suspect it was already a done deal when he signed on loan). Madl clearly reads the game well, and though not as tall as Burn and Hutchinson he is good in the air. Ayite is a bit of an unknown, but given his playing history, there must have been some potential seen in him. French football is not as strong as the English leagues, but with Bastia being a yo-yo club in France, then it should not be seen as a step up for him. Clearly has pace, and is rumoured to be a good crosser of the ball. From reports in the friendlies he should make a decent fist of his first season and will add some much needed pace in the midfield. Aluko is proven at this level and is fast with an eye for goal. He could be the joker in the pack, given that he is willing to take players on and will go on runs, something we have lacked at FFC for far too long. Why Bruce did not want to keep him at Hull is open to speculation. Maybe he saw that a player who might try the unusual was too big a risk in the Prem. or maybe Aluko has a habit of not being consistent. My personal opinion, is that he will give us something different, and his pace and willingness to shoot could mean that he becomes the fan's favourite this season. Kalas, featured for most of he season for Middlesborough, in the meanest defence in the Champ. At 23 he is hardly a novice, and having signed for a season will give his all, unlike short term loan signings. I have no doubt that he will become a regular and shore up the defence excellently. Slavisa chased Odoi for quite some time, and clearly feels that he can give us something special in terms of defence and pace. I would not be surprised to see Slavisa play him as a wing back in a 3-5-2 formation. These 4/5 signings should give us all optimism for the coming season, as they should all improve on the small nucleus of definite starters already at the club.
I expect Slavisa to bring in at least 3 more before the season starts, and then we will see FFC in the top ten or maybe higher.
© Nic Smith
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